Disability Archives - Page 4 of 7

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Rest

This past week has been a hard one. My body is struggling with infections. I have been dealing with staph/skin infections and now a sore throat. Yesterday was spent in bed, and today will be much of the same. My body is in total rebellion at the moment. Earlier as I was thinking about everything and feeling overwhelmed, God gently reminded me of the verse in Matthew 11:28-30 that states,“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In the quiet of yesterday afternoon I was reminded that even in the hardest circumstances I can always be at rest, and the reason for that is Jesus. Jesus will carry my burdens so I do not have to. He loves me and desires to give me freedom. God does not intend for any of us to live as overwhelmed, anxious, or tired when He offers His rest. This does not mean God will never allow us to have trouble, but that He will carry and give us His strength when troubles come.

Sickness may be present, jobs might be lost, marriages failing, discontentment abounding, but Jesus wants us to let go of these stresses and come to Him. He is ready. He is waiting. He will fight your giants so let Him. I am so guilty of striving and wanting to do more, more, and more.However, God has shown me lately that it is not how much I can do for Him, but instead how much I rest in Him.

He wants all of me, and to be the king of my heart in both the good and hard times. He wants my trust in every area of life, including the trials.

Rest can only come when you are fully surrendered to Christ, and trust Him to care for you in the way He feels is best no matter the circumstances.

I would ask that as you think of it please remember me in your prayers as you think of it. Pray that the Lord will provide healing and rest for my body. Thanks friends. How can I be praying for you?

Spend some time today in the Word getting to know the only One who can give you the rest that you so desperately desire. Jesus will never let you down.

Below is a song that has been a source of great encouragement to me lately and I hope it encourages you as well.

Trust in You – Lauren Daigle –

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Do The Next Thing

Hey sweet readers! I hope you are well on this Friday morning.

Thanks so much for your prayers for my doctor’s visit yesterday. It turns out I have a bladder infection and that is one reason my BP has been so high. Another reason is pain from other health problems that I have, and we discussed some ways to help with my pain management. I would like to thank the kind physicians and nurses at Palliative Care in Shelby, NC. They are a Godsend to so many and have been such an encouragement and help to me during this season. Living with a chronic illness and disability is not easy and these wonderful folks help make life so much easier and I am grateful for that.

Also, thank you all for your continued prayers. They are being felt. Yesterday in my quiet time, a poem that Elisabeth Elliot has mentioned frequently in her writings came to mind. So I immediately went on google and found it. It is called “Do the Next Thing.” It is such an encouraging word for those who feel overwhelmed and just do not know where to look next. However, God is right there. Trust Him, and as the poems states — “do the next thing!”

Do The Next Thing

From an Old English parsonage down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message for me;

Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,

Hath as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.

And on through the hours the quiet words ring,

Like a low inspiration: DO THE NEXT THING.

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, guidance are given.

Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus. DO THE NEXT THING.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing his hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command,

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,

Leave all resultings. DO THE NEXT THING.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,

(Working on Suffering) be thy demeanor.

In His dear presence, the rest of his calm,

the light of his countenance be thy Psalm.

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing!

Then, as He beckons thee, DO THE NEXT THING.

~Source Unknown

My heart needed those words this morning, and I hope they are comfort to your soul as well. Also, be sure to check back on the blog Sunday for the next post in the Advent Series I am writing along with my friend Erin. Below are links to our first posts.

Read Erin’s post here.

Read my post here.

Have a great weekend!

Articles, Books, Disability

You and Me Forever

Happy Thursday friends.

I hope you all have had a good week. I have not felt the best this week so I have been spending lots of time in pjs reading, and watching movies. However, it has been the perfect weather for that since it has been so rainy and yucky outside. I have had some problems with my blood pressure and I have an appointment this morning that I hope will provide some assistance in getting it stabilized. Prayers for that would be greatly appreciated.

Also, speaking of reading, I recently wrote a review of the book “You and Me Forever:Marriage in Light of Eternity” by Francis Chan for my friend Sara’s blog. Sara has an amazing blog with lots of great book reviews so be sure to check it out. You can view the post here.

Have a lovely day!

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Stand Firm in Trials

Happy Friday, my friends! I have not been able to blog the past couple of weeks because my computer has been in the shop, but it is back now working wonderful thanks to the lovely folks at Apple. 🙂

I was reminded recently of a sermon I heard from Pastor Eric Ludy several years ago titled “Hold The Position.” It was an excellent sermon for those who are currently facing trials, or for when you face them in the future. This sermon hit home for me, and gave me some much needed reminders. In his sermon notes, Eric lists what he calls “12 Musts For the Hour of Trial.”

They are as follows along with Scriptures I have added that have brought encouragement to me when I have faced trials.

1. Reckon Yourself in Christ – You are secure.

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” ~Proverbs 14:26

2. Get the Grace Needed – You have the grace for help in time of need.

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9

3. Maintain Priority Throughout – Don’t alter your God-assigned priorities.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33

4. Rouse your Soul to Rejoice – Cherish this opportunity to get more patience.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” ~James 1:2-4

5. Offer Thanksgiving, Sing Praises – for the victory is the Lord’s. He will prove the Champion every time.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

6. Garrison the Mind – Check EVERY thought at the door. Frisk every thought to see if they have a trace of anxiety or fear in them. None of this can be allowed in.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

7. Garrison the Tongue – When under siege, the soul is sensitized and softer than usual. Over-statements and flesh-statements mustn’t fly. The tongue is owned by the Spirit of God, and in a time of crisis must make a firm resolve to remain the vessel of Spirit Truth.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Ephesians 4:29

8. Be Bold to do the Difficult Things – Don’t avoid the difficult solution. Do what needs to be done without hesitation. Sometimes life and death is defined by doing what must be done in the moment, even if it is the most difficult thing you have ever done.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

9. Enter the Searchlight – Be slow to expose the faults of others, be quick to expose your own personal faults. Take claim to whatever your responsibility might be in the situation. Allow the searchlight of the Spirit to start with you. If you are wrong in any matter, then repent, confess, and make things right quickly.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139: 23-24

10. Choose Weakness – Accept a weakened posture and a humble approach. Wield Love as your battle-ax. Wield Gentleness as your weaponry. Fast and increase prayer. Consider how you may bless those attacking, those opposing. In weakness there is spiritual power.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:44-45

11. Get in the Shoes of Everyone Else – Seek to be presidential. Seek to bring order and peace to the ruffled souls around you.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” ~2 Corinthians 13:11

12. Save the Big Life Decisions for Later – If possible, wait for circumstances to calm before making large-scale life-directing decisions.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” ~Psalm 27:14

I pray that whatever trial you are going through today that you remember you are not fighting this battle alone. God is with you and He will get you through it.

Take some time and get the comfort you need by spending time in His word and talking to Him. If you would like to watch the sermon that was mentioned above you can do so here.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability, Uncategorized

Courage, Dear Heart

“Courage, dear heart.” That is one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis, and I have been reminded of it many times recently.

When I think about people who have courage, I think about people such as Corrie Ten Boom who was imprisoned in a concentration camp, Elisabeth Elliot who ministered to the people that murdered her husband, Esther Ahn Kim who stood up for her faith to the Japanese who took control of Korea, Amy Carmichael who moved to India alone and rescued orphans, and the list could go on and on.

All of those women displayed courage in major ways, and when I was younger those are the people I wanted to be like. I still want to be like them. They are some of my heroes. I’ve had the thoughts many times, “if only I could go overseas and be a missionary then I would really be courageous — then I would feel purposeful,” or “If only I were married and serving my husband and the ministry God has for a family then I would be living a fulfilled calling,” or if only I were able to travel more and not be bogged down with health problems then I would meet more people and have more career opportunities — then I would be secure.”

None of these things mentioned are bad and to certain people they are God’s calling. However, right now in my life, they are not my calling. I can live in the “if-only’s” all I want, but that is not going to change the now. I was praying the other day and said, “God, if only I was in better physical health right now, just think of all I could do for you and all the places we could go. Lord, if you would let that occur that would be wonderful.” Yes, it would be wonderful, but the Lord whispered back, “Yes, my child, but what about the now. What if the calling I am asking of you is this hard season, right here, right now. It takes just as much courage to stay put in the hard as it takes to be on the go doing something else. That “something else” has its hard as well.” The Lord reminded me he does not want me to live in the “if onlys,” but He wants me to live in “the now.”

He has as much purpose in “the nows” as He does in the “if onlys” even though our human hearts do not always believe that to be true. In those quiet moments the Lord said, “Take Courage, dear heart, take courage, your life is worth a great price to me and you have an enormous purpose today. Believe that, daughter.”

Friend, if you are struggling like me right now, and if your life has not turned out the way you thought it would — God still has a plan and a purpose for you, you just have to be willing to accept what He has given you and rejoice in the now. As I am learning, He will use you in ways you least expect it so be encouraged in that today.

Disability, Friendship

Sweet Friendship

Yesterday morning my friend Tessa called and asked if she and her sweet baby girl Dakota could come visit to which I said, “Of course!” After the craziness of the past few days — it was so encouraging to visit with Tessa and love on Dakota.

Tessa and I originally met earlier in the year when she was one of my home health nurses after my surgery. She was one of the bright spots in such a hard time and I am so glad God allowed us to meet and become friends. We have stayed in touch long after my home health services have ended and her friendship has been such a blessing.

Lucy was also excited to see Tessa, but she is a little miss diva, and did not like all the attention being on the baby and not her but she did share her bed. She is such a diva dog..haha! Oh well, she needs to learn to get over herself! 😉

Have a great Wednesday everyone, and thank God for the friendships He has blessed you with!

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Seeing Through the Fog

The past week has been one big blur for me. One week ago today, I woke up with a bowel blockage that has had me bed ridden for days. Yesterday was the first day that I have not had to take any pain or nausea medication since last week, and I am wading through a big thick fog.

I am so thankful for the medication that I have been provided with to assist in bringing relief, but I am not a fan of the side-effects once the medication has built up in my system. The medicine causes me to want to sleep continually and to not remember conversations (if you have talked to me during the last week, and I have sounded out of it, or said something crazy — I do apologize..haha). It was a rough week, and a sad one because I was not able to go on my trip to Texas. However, I am trying to trust in the Lord’s timing and I know I will get to visit Sara sometime in the future.

Last night in my quiet time with the Lord, He led me to Psalm 23, which brought much comfort to my soul. It reminded me that no matter the sickness I am facing, or the thick fog that may be blocking my view of life at the moment — I have Jesus who is my shepherd leading me every step of the way. He is my guide. He is my comfort, and offers me the restoration that I so desperately need.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:1-3).

I am so thankful for this promise of truth from the Word today. Take some time and read this passage today and let the words refresh your soul. Let Him lead you.

31 Days, Articles, Disability

Day 30 – The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted

Well, this week has been a hard one. I feel like I am slowly moving out of the fog of medication and from being very sick. The bowel blockage is improving, thankfully, but I am still not well. The doctor wants to give it a couple more days before doing anything else so hopefully things will continue to get better. However, I am not going to be able to go on my trip to Texas to see my best friend Sara, and that breaks my heart. I feel like I am continually having to say “no” to plans due to health reasons. Sara has been super understanding and supportive and she has walked with me in my suffering so well over the past year. It is not always easy being friends with someone who is continually sick, but she has come alongside me in all of my suffering with love, encouragement, and is always ready to listen. That has meant so much to me. I am already looking forward to the next plans we make and seeing her face to face when I am doing better.

In my sadness the Lord has reminded me of Psalm 34:18 which states,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This is such an appropriate verse for me and it has brought much comfort to my soul today. The Lord knows. The Lord understands. He is comforting me in the hard places of life and that is such a gift. So thankful for this promise! I hope you all enjoy your weekend.

To read more posts in this series visit here.

31 Days, Articles, Disability

Day 29 – Update

Thanks for the continued prayers for my blockage. Today will be another short post, but I wanted to share an update. I was on a liquid diet all day yesterday and am on one today. I am not worse but I am not a lot better yet so I will probably be having a CT scan in the near future. For now, that is all the details I know. Please continue to keep me in your prayers and that a hospital visit will not be needed. Thanks friends. Have a blessed Thursday!

To read more posts in this series visit here.

31 Days, Articles, Disability

Day 28 – Some Days are PJ Days

Hey friends. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement from yesterday’s post. They mean so much. I was able to hear from my doctor and he has put me on a liquid diet through Thursday, and if things are no better by then I will have a CT Scan done. Until then, it is just lots of rest for me, and today will be another PJ day..haha! Please pray that the blockage goes away soon. Thanks so much, and I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

To read more posts in this series visit here.

Rest

Do The Next Thing

You and Me Forever

Stand Firm in Trials

Courage, Dear Heart

Sweet Friendship

Seeing Through the Fog

Day 30 – The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted

Day 29 – Update

Day 28 – Some Days are PJ Days

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